MANCHESTER, NH – Spectacular, spectacular! That’s just another way of saying that a double-exciting moon-related event – a “Supermoon” lunar eclipse – is about to happen, and you can watch it.
Or, as Credence Clearwater Revival once said, “there’s a bad moon a risin'” on Sunday night, and you may want to watch it since it won’t be happening again for about 18 more years.
According to NASA, when the September full moon rises Sept. 27 it will be both the darkest and brightest moon of the year — considered a rare astronomical occurrence that has only happened a handful of times this century – not since 1982 (and it won’t happen again until 2033).
Weather Underground says clear skies all night long, for great viewing conditions.
Some prognosticators have feared the so-called “blood moon” could be a sign of the apocalypse based on interpretation of Bible prophecies. But NASA says it’s just a spectacular – and completely scientific – situation. On the early morning of September 28 the moon will be at its perigree, meaning extra close to the Earth, leading to what is called a Supermoon. Because of its proximity to us, the full moon will be lit up extra bright, especially at around 2 a.m. (watch the above video for a quick tutorial).
In addition to the Supermoon, a lunar eclipse will also happen – that’s when the moon becomes aligned with the earth and the sun.
There will be a free outdoor eclipse viewing session in Concord from 8-11 p.m. to watch the rare “Supermoon” eclipse outside the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center. Several telescopes on hand for visitor use. Should the skies cloud up, notification of cancellation will be on the Discovery Center’s Facebook page.
So why is it called a “blood moon?”
During the total eclipse, sunlight bends as it shines through the Earth’s dusty atmosphere and it is refracted toward the red part of the spectrum, casting a colorful hue on the moon. As a result, expect to see the moon’s visible surface shift from dark gray during the partial phase of the eclipse to a reddish-orange color during totality.
Most East Coast skywatchers here in the U.S. will get to see all the phases of this spectacular sky show, as the moon rises high in the sky. (Check for specific times for your area using the Eclipse Calculator at timeanddate.com.)
Beyond the claims of “blood moon” prophecies being fulfilled by this particular science-driven astronomical event, the “apocalyptic concerns,” according to NASA, have been stirred by the compounding fact that there will be an “equinoctial tide.” During the equinox, the sun and moon both pull equally on the oceans, emphasizing their effects mutual effects. Plus, because of the moon’s closer proximity to Earth, its gravitational pull will be that much stronger.
NASA says that while it’s true that the tides might be higher than normal during this event, only expect to see them rise by an inch or two above the highest regular tides.
You can also watch the eclipse live online at SkyandTelecope.com. Webcast begins Sept. 27 at 9 p.m. The Supermoon Lunar Eclipse will stream live with high-definition coverage as the moon glides into and out of Earth’s shadow, with play-by-play commentary by lunar experts.
You’re one click away! Sign up for our free
eNewsletter and never miss another thing
